Rockies Minor League shortstop Trevor Story is looking to seize his opportunity to crack the big league roster this spring.

As the Major Leagues’ longest-tenured pitching coach, Dave Righetti had no trouble gathering background on the pair of free-agent right-handers. His extensive network of contacts proved invaluable.

The Cardinals have signed right-hander Mike Leake to a five-year contract. The deal includes a mutual option for 2021.

With a robust commitment to Mike Leake, the Cardinals solidified their rotation on Tuesday and perhaps softened the spotlight that has been so transfixed on what they hadn’t been able to accomplish this offseason.

The Indians continued to stockpile left-handed pitching help Tuesday, adding Ross Detwiler to the fold on a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to attend Spring Training with the big league club.

An essay contest that launched Tuesday gives students a chance to be honored at the MLB All-Star Game and World Series.

Hall of Fame ballots were due Monday, and, as always, there are quite a few issues that need to be resolved. Here are 10 important questions on this year’s ballot. (Note: We won’t learn the answers until results are released on Jan. 6.)

California-based sculptor Branly Cadet has been selected to create the Jackie Robinson statue that will be unveiled at Dodger Stadium in 2016.

The clock is ticking on Kenta Maeda, the ace Japanese right-hander posted nearly two weeks ago. According to FOX Sports, the posting came with a deadline: The Major League team that gains negotiating rights to Maeda has to sign him by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 8.

Justin Turner got an early Christmas gift last week when Dr. Neal ElAttrache took away his crutches and cleared the Dodgers third baseman to throw and hit.

Most World Series aren’t won with flashy free-agent signings. They’re won with prudent acquisitions that seem to fit the club just right. So who might those stealth additions be this offseason? Which under-the-radar players appear to fit perfectly at their new clubs?

When the offseason arrives, Major Leaguers leave the ballpark behind and spend their leisure time pursuing their other passions.

Plenty of social media debate followed as to whether the White Sox gave up too much to acquire Todd Frazier. But the general consensus, much as it was in 2004 when word of mouth ruled and Twitter did not yet exist, stood behind the South Siders doing what they could to get a player they had to have.

Regarding rumors that the Royals have a four-year offer to free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon — ESPN reported it was in the $12-13 million range per year — and that the Royals have opened talks with representatives for Salvador Perez on a contract extension, general manager Dayton Moore said there was no value in confirming or denying the reports.

In light of the youth movement in baseball, especially on the D-backs, team leader Paul Goldschmidt shared his memories of his own upbringing in baseball and his thoughts on baseball’s next generation.

The White Sox are reportedly joining the fray for highly sought-after free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon, according to FOXSports.com.

The Mets are close to signing free-agent outfielder Alejandro De Aza, according to an MLB.com source.